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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The Nutter Administration says the Department of Licenses and Inspections will expand its online offerings so that by the end of next year and residents need never show up in person to apply for permits and licenses.

Getting permits and licenses now means waiting in line at the Municipal Services Building.

But L&I Commissioner Carlton Williams says a new web portal dubbed Eclipse will change all that: “Essentially citizens will be able to do business with the department 24/7, every day, from any computer or tablet with a web-based browser, from their home, office or construction site. It will revolutionize the way we do business.”

Eclipse web portal Photo Credit: Mike Dunn

The project is costing taxpayers $4.5 million over four years, but Williams says the cost will easily be recouped through greater efficiencies in the department.

Some functions for residents will be rolled out by the end of this year, with the entire system online by the close of the Mayor’s second term in late 2015.